The earlier amount was Rs 8 lakh; the state government has also increased aid to soldiers with disabilities to a maximum of Rs 15 lakh from Rs 4 lakh.

Army officers carrying the body of a slain soldier.(PTI/Photo used for representational purpose only)

The state government has decided to raise the one-time compensation given to families of martyred soldiers from Maharashtra to Rs 25 lakh, from the current Rs 8 lakh. It has also increased financial aid awarded to soldiers with disabilities owing to wars and conflicts to a maximum of Rs 15 lakh.

The decision, which comes into effect restrospectively from January 1, 2018, was taken by the state’s general administration department (GAD), which is headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Last week, on May 16, the department also issued a government resolution (GR) to this effect.

“Till November 2016, the state government was providing Rs 8 lakh as financial assistance to families of martyred soldiers from the state, but now we have decided to increase the one-time compensation two-fold to Rs 25 lakh as a member of their family has made a supreme sacrifice for the country; the families deserve more help than they were getting,” said a senior GAD official, requesting anonymity.

The state has also increased financial assistance to soldiers injured and suffering from permanent disabilities due to wars, conflicts or encounters — a soldier will now get Rs 15 lakh in case his disability is 50% or more, Rs 8.5 lakh if it’s between 25% and 50%, and Rs 5 lakh for up to 25% disability, the official added. So far, soldiers were getting a maximum of Rs 4 lakh as financial aid.